Toward applied Islamic business ethics: responsible halal business

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the opportunities of using halal regulation and certification as a mechanism for applying Islamic business ethics in contemporary world.Design/methodology/approachThe current practices of halal regulation and certification and literature on Islamic ethics were reviewed, to identify a practical approach for Islamic business ethics.FindingsIslam allows and accepts different levels of ethical commitment. A multi‐level Islamic ethics framework and a multi‐level halal certification approach are proposed to facilitate the implementation of Islamic business ethics in a relative context. Two major developments can enrich halal business practices: harmonization of global standards and governance structure, and integrating responsibility and ethical issues in halal standards.Practical implicationsThe proposed framework and developments can enrich halal regulation and certification practice.Originality/valueThe paper emphasizes the importance of flexibility and adaptability in Islamic business ethics implementation, and proposes a new framework and approach to apply Islamic business ethics.